Simply uttering the word Bali conjures up visions of an earthly paradise.
Last year, nearly two million Europeans landed in Indonesia, with the majority heading straight for the renowned beaches.
However, past the sun-drenched shores and lively nightspots, extensive areas of Indonesia stay off the beaten path, featuring lush rainforests, historic shrines, and breathtaking landscapes.
By 2025, Indonesia had redirected its attention away from mainstream tourism towards an approach that prioritizes longer stays and regenerative practices, simultaneously bringing more recognition to less-explored areas.
At the ITB Berlin 2025 event, when speaking with Euronews Travel, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, who serves as the deputy minister for marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted that enhancing the quality of tourism has become their top priority. This shift encompasses various aspects such as sustainable practices and culinary experiences.
Below are the top locations in Indonesia where you can enjoy everything, from Bali to further afield.
Straighten up your behavior in Likupang
Sustainable travel has become a growing priority for many vacationers, prompting Indonesia to initiate a nationwide 'clean tourism' initiative, supported by the government.
"Amidst the worldwide issue of waste and plastics, we're running a campaign across Indonesia to ensure our rivers and seas remain pristine," says Marthini.
The ministry collaborates with local authorities, students, and the community to collect garbage and raise awareness about sustainability.
Likupang in North Sulawesi provides an eco-friendly haven If your aim is to discover Indonesia’s natural splendor in an eco-friendly manner.
This region is famous for its unspoiled shores, lively coral ecosystems, and lush rainforests, and it is now being marked as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This designation aims to foster beneficial economic development.
In contrast to many Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Indonesia, Likupang emphasizes resort-style tourism. It aims to harmonize cultural, environmental, and economic elements while maintaining its aesthetic appeal via zero-waste practices and a circular resource economy.
This area boasts a dynamic aquatic environment, featuring unique creatures such as the green sea turtle; with some luck, you might be able to discreetly watch them up close.
Likupang Beach is where you should go, featuring its extensive white sand coastline and pristine waters ideal for this activity. diving While the islands of Lihaga and Gangga also provide incredible diving opportunities.
Dive alongside the beams in Nusa Tenggara
With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is teeming with diversity. marine experiences , ranging from thrilling water sports to exciting wildlife interactions.
You boast of beautiful beaches where one can engage in activities like diving and snorkeling, as well as exploring the largest coral reef globally," states Marthini. "Our aim is to highlight these attractions along with scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and much more.
Featuring breathtaking dives, stunning waterfalls, and frothy hot springs, the province of Nusa Tenggara checks all the right boxes.
Just an hour's flight away from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport lies a cluster of 500 small islands formed by volcanoes and surrounded by coral reefs. These islands boast vibrant volcanic lakes, countless surfing spots with powerful waves and tubes, as well as marine environments brimming with colorful aquatic life.
In Flores, you have the opportunity to go snorkeling directly from the beach, exploring numerous dive sites filled with sunken ships teeming with whale sharks, manta rays, and various fish species.
Enjoy gado-gado in the culinary-richUbud
We have countless recipes in Indonesia, and each one includes spices, which is why we're called the Spice Islands," explains Marthini. "Our aim is to showcase this heritage and present Indonesia as a must-visit culinary paradise.
Nestled in the central highlands of Bali, Ubud has long been recognized for its artistic ambiance. In 2024, however, it gained further prominence when it was chosen by the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project as a key culinary travel destination. This initiative seeks to fortify the area’s status as an emblem of cultural and gastronomical legacy, all while invigorating the regional economy, generating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth.
The abundance of global dishes available Ubud It suits a cosmopolitan city, yet the local cuisine shouldn't be overlooked.
Apart from the affordable 'warungs' (small, family-run restaurants), you can discover various options. upscale restaurants serving genuine Balinese and Indonesian cuisine from various regions. You can savor treats such as 'babi guling' (roast suckling pig) and 'gado-gado', a hearty serving of steamed veggies topped with creamy peanut dressing.
Discover serenity in Borobudur
Many people visit Indonesia for wellness purposes, and one of the main attractions at numerous health retreats throughout the nation is undoubtedly the Balinese massage. Borobudur Java provides something genuinely exceptional.
Nested within tranquil vistas and steeped in cultural legacy, this region beckons for an intimate connection with both the natural world and spiritual essence.
Stretching towards the sky, Borobudur Temple dates back to the 8th century and stands as the world’s largest Buddhist temple. You will discover here peaceful energy This improves yoga and meditation practices, whereas nearby wellness getaways provide comprehensive therapies including Javanese massages and herb-based treatments.
Stray from the beaten path in Sumba
Willing to venture off the beaten path? Then dive into the jungle treehouses Across the archipelago, riverside lodges and beach shacks will extend a warm greeting to visitors.
Residents in distant regions frequently welcome visitors into their homes, providing charming accommodations called 'penginapan,' which offer an genuine glimpse into Indonesian daily existence.
Over 6,000 villages across Indonesia are prepared to host travelers in rural regions," states Marthini. "Our aim is to ensure that tourism benefits not just large companies, but also the local communities who lead everyday lives there. villages , tailored for them, by them.
Visitors reside in the villagers' homes, thereby gaining cultural preservation along with enjoying economic advantages.
Homestays Are widespread throughout Indonesia; however, less-famous locations frequently offer a more authentic travel experience.
To find something genuinely distinctive, take a look at the island of Sumba situated in the south of the nation, this region features serene villages with massive stone graves, elevated homes, and timber places of worship.
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